SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT SUNDAY: No one signed up.

PLANTING TREES: Thank you to those who worked through the wet weather in order to plant trees this past Saturday!

LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION PRESENTER: Can you imagine teaching your young child about Jesus - without having any kind of Sunday school materials, or even a basic Bible storybook? This situation is a reality for many Lutheran churches around the world, but the Lutheran Heritage Foundation is helping to change that. Next Sunday, Rev. Robert Rahn, the founder of LHF, will preach at our worship service. Also plan to join us during Bible class when Rev. Rahn shares the exciting mission work LHF is doing worldwide.

ADVENT PROGRAM: The Holy Cross choir and Sunday school will be presenting an Advent Concert themed “Let our Gladness Have No End” on Sunday, December 13th during the Sunday school hour. If you are interested in participating in the concert, contact Kathy Dee or Kathryn Feldt.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The Altar Guild would like to put out fresh flower arrangements for special feast days in the church. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online.

CCA FOOD PANTRY: Be sure to check the whiteboard on the food pantry door for current needs to stock the food pantry shelves. Thank you for all those who have already donated items! The Food Pantry regularly serves up to 15 families in the Carlisle School District. Ask Kathy Dee if you have any questions or would like to get more involved. Any donation is greatly appreciated! If you are clearing pantry shelves or organizing the laundry or bathroom, consider dropping off unused, not expired items in the food pantry.
* Immediate needs: Peanut Butter, Cereal, and Kleenex
* Ongoing needs:
Perishable items (butter, cheese, individually packaged meats, freezer meals, eggs, etc)
Bathroom items (deodorant, toothbrushes, shampoo, etc)
Packaged meals (Hamburger Helper, etc)
Baking items (mixes, flour, sugar, spices, etc)

IOWA LUTHERAN SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATION: Your gift to ILSTO provides tuition assistance to Iowa families who want a Lutheran education for their children, but need a little help getting there. Iowa offers a tax credit of 75% the cost of your donation, so your generosity goes even further. Give today and help a student grow in knowledge, character, and faith. Learn more at iowalutheransto.com or contact Dewey at 712-260-2991.

EXPERT GUESTS, EXPANSIVE TOPICS, EXTOLLING CHRIST: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent topics include: Lutheranism in Israel, Postpartum Depression, ADHD, 20th Century Lutheran Theologian Hermann Sasse and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org.

After 2.5 years of preparation, a 14-hour flight to Australia, and other various forms of transportation, Nathan and Sarah and their two boys arrived at their home in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea (PNG) on May 15th. Sister, Julia, and Nathan's parents helped with airport drop off at the beginning of the journey, and their first meal in PNG was with Nathan’s sister, Leah, and brother-in-law, Freddie.
It was a difficult transition with the boys getting sick shortly after they arrived. In August, Nathan, Sarah, and the two toddlers were dropped off inthre remote village of Ragitamut.
There, a wasfamili (watch-family) taught them how they washed laundry and dishes, where they collected water, how they cooked food, where and how they worked in the garden, how they traveled to the nearest town for buying and selling things in the market, along with many numerous other things for how they go about their week in their village. The goal was to see how people live in the villages and build a connection there.
PNG is currently in a drought. Pray that rains would come, and pray for the family's continued adjustment. The Federwitzes are thankful for family nearby, and Nathan is excited that he gets to begin flying passengers.

Here are links to their recent newsletters:
June 2026 
September 2026

Did you know the Book of Concord is available for you to read online?

bookofconcord.cph.org has a version that is easy to navigate and can copy sections (with citations) if needed. The text used is from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions © 2005, 2006 by Concordia Publishing House.

BookofConcord.org The primary text on this site is from Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church: German-Latin-English. 

In September, Botswana celebrated its' 60th Independence Day. Please pray for the country and for the continued work of Bible translation, making it possible for the 31 language groups to hear God's Word.

As a regional director, Carl is working with LBT to review budget proposals for projects around the world. LBT receives millions of dollars in proposals each year but is not able to fund everything. Pray that donors would help close that gap so that LBT can keeping bringing the Word to people in their own language.

In October, we remember the impact that Luther and the Reformation had on Bible translation. Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German in 1522, giving ordinary people an accessible way to read and understand God's Word. Luther believed that the Bible was meant for all people, not just those who spoke a language of power.

Workshops were held for the Shekgalagari speakers in Botswana, and in the Zayse region in Ethiopia. Each workshop allowed for reading and fluency practice in their heart language, an important step to clearly reading God's Word in their language.

November 22nd, the Grulke family will be visiting St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames. 

Please also pray for the Grulke family as they continue to adjust to life in the US.

Here are links to the Grulke family September and October newsletters. 

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT SUNDAY: G. Siegel

TODAY: There will be no adult Bible study today because Pastor is attending a call meeting. Sunday School kids are asked to meet in the music room for a 20-minute rehearsal following snacks.

REFORMATION VESPERS: The Des Moines East and West Circuits are holding a Reformation Vespers service this evening at 4:00pm at Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines.

PASTOR ON VACATION: Pastor is on vacation / attending lectures this week. There will be no Bible studies this week, but Confirmation class and choir will meet Wednesday at 6:30pm.

MOVIE NIGHT: Holy Cross Ladies’ Guild is hosting a movie night on Friday, October 30th. The congregation is invited to watch Arsenic and Old Lace in the fellowship hall at 6:30 pm. Popcorn is provided or bring your own movie treats and enjoy this Halloween classic!

PLANTING TREES: We are planting trees around the parking lot in the morning this Saturday, October 31st. Volunteers are needed! Holes can be dug ahead of time if you are not able to be there that morning. Contact Cory Johnson or Kathy Dee with any questions.  

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS: Daylight savings ends November 1st. Make sure to change your clocks back one hour this Saturday night.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Holy Cross choir and Sunday school will be presenting an Advent Concert themed “Let our Gladness Have No End” on Sunday, December 13th during the Sunday school hour. If you are interested in participating in the concert, contact Kathy Dee or Kathryn Feldt.

CCA FOOD PANTRY: Be sure to check the whiteboard on the food pantry door for current needs to stock the food pantry shelves. Thank you for all those who have already donated items! The Food Pantry regularly serves up to 15 families in the Carlisle School District. Ask Kathy Dee if you have any questions or would like to get more involved. Any donation is greatly appreciated! If you are clearing pantry shelves or organizing the laundry or bathroom, consider dropping off unused, not expired items in the food pantry.
* Immediate needs: Peanut Butter, Cereal, and Kleenex
* Ongoing needs:
Perishable items (butter, cheese, individually packaged meats, freezer meals, eggs, etc)
Bathroom items (deodorant, toothbrushes, shampoo, etc)
Packaged meals (Hamburger Helper, etc)
Baking items (mixes, flour, sugar, spices, etc)

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: Ladies’ Guild

ADDRESS UPDATES: Waneta Johnson has a new address. Contact the church office.

MEN’S RETREAT RESCHEDULED: Due to weather, the retreat has been moved to next weekend, Friday the 23rd and Sat the 24th. Men young and old are invited to a time of fellowship at Jim Skinner’s place.

CHILI COOK OFF: The annual Chili and Soup Cook off is scheduled for Sunday, October 25th. The cookoff will take place following Bible class on Reformation Sunday. If you would like to enter a chili or soup, please submit your entry information here. Everyone is encouraged to attend and enjoy the variety of chili and soups!

REFORMATION VESPERS: The congregations of the East and West Des Moines Circuits are cordially invited to Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines for a Reformation Vespers service on Sunday, October 25th at 4:00pm.  Sacred music in the service will include selections from congregational hymns, choir, handbells, organ and instruments. Our guest preacher will be the Rev. Nathan Sherrill, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and Executive Director of David's Harp. After the service please stay for the potluck soup supper and presentation on "Music's Role in the Reformation and Evangelism."  If you would like to participate in the circuit choir ensemble or bring your favorite soup, side, or dessert to share please call the Trinity church office at 515-279-3609.

MOVIE NIGHT: Holy Cross Ladies’ Guild is hosting a movie night on Friday, October 30th. The congregation is invited to watch Arsenic and Old Lace in the fellowship hall at 6:30 pm. Popcorn is provided or bring your own movie treats and enjoy this Halloween classic!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Holy Cross choir and Sunday school will be presenting an Advent Concert themed “Let our Gladness Have No End” on Sunday, December 13th during the Sunday school hour. If you are interested in participating in the concert, contact Kathy Dee or Kathryn Feldt.

A LUTHERAN VIEW OF DEPRESSION: October is National Depression Education and Awareness Month. You can listen to the audiobook, “I Trust When Dark My Road: A Lutheran View of Depression” by Pastor Todd Peperkorn at issuesetc.org/depression. This audiobook is produced by Lutheran Public Radio, Inc., based in Collinsville, IL.

As Joshua was preparing to lead the people into the promised land, the Lord encouraged them to, “be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you” (Joshua 1:7). Sadly, the people soon forgot the words of the Lord, became disobedient and “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals” (Judges 2:11). The Apostle Paul was well aware of this pattern of apathy and apostacy when he warned the elders of Ephesus that, “After my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). During the Reformation, spiritual laziness and false teaching was still afflicting the church when Luther observed that, “The deplorable, miserable condition that I discovered recently when I, too, was a visitor, has forced me to prepare this catechism, or Christian doctrine, in this small, plain, simple, form. Mercy! Dear God, what great misery I beheld! The common person, especially in the villages, has no knowledge whatever of Christian doctrine.” Now, five hundred years later, we dare not fool ourselves into thinking we are not in danger of history repeating itself. The devil loves nothing better than to lull the church into a false sense of security. But thanks be to God! Our Lord has assured us that His Word endures forever. When we hold fast to His Word as taught in the Small Catechism, our confessions, liturgy and hymns, we are being careful to do and believe all that the Lord has commanded. As we continue to teach what has been handed down to us from Jesus through Moses, Joshua, the Apostles, St. Paul and even Luther, we can rejoice that the truth of God’s Word is being taught among us. Therefore, as Luther taught in the Conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer, we can say, “Amen, amen means, ‘yes, yes, it shall be so.’”

Reformation Vespers - Sunday Oct. 25th 4:00pm at Trinity Lutheran, Des Moines

The congregations of the East and West Des Moines Circuits are cordially invited to Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines for a Reformation Vespers service.  Sacred music in the service will include selections from congregational hymns, choir, handbells, organ and instruments.

Our guest preacher will be the Rev. Nathan Sherrill, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and Executive Director of David's Harp, an Recognized Service Organization of the LC-MS.   An offering will be collected to benefit David's Harp, visit davidsharpmusic.org to learn more.

After the service please stay for the potluck soup supper and presentation on "Music's Role in the Reformation and Evangelism."  If you would like to participate in the circuit choir ensemble or bring your favorite soup, side, or dessert to share please call the Trinity church office at 515-279-3609.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: R. Brantner, L. Johnson, C. Johnson

SCHEDULE: No Table Talk this Tuesday. Pastor is at a call meeting. Men’s Bible study will continue to meet on Tuesday morning, Oct 6th and 20th. In November, Men’s Bible study returns to Wednesday mornings as normal.

FALL CLEAN UP: Fall clean up day is scheduled for October 10th, with the 17th as a backup in case of bad weather.

MEN’S RETREAT: Mark your calendars for October 16th and 17th for a time of fellowship at Jim Skinner’s place for the men of the congregation.

ALTAR FLOWERS: There are many special feast days coming up in the church year. The Altar Guild would like to beautify our church by providing fresh flower arrangements for those days. A sign up sheet is in the narthex. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online Serve>Give>Vanco>Altar Flowers.

REFORMATION VESPERS: The congregations of the East and West Des Moines Circuits are cordially invited to Trinity Lutheran in Des Moines for a Reformation Vespers service on Sunday, October 25th at 4:00pm.  Sacred music in the service will include selections from congregational hymns, choir, handbells, organ and instruments. Our guest preacher will be the Rev. Nathan Sherrill, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs and Executive Director of David's Harp. After the service please stay for the potluck soup supper and presentation on "Music's Role in the Reformation and Evangelism."  If you would like to participate in the circuit choir ensemble or bring your favorite soup, side, or dessert to share please call the Trinity church office at 515-279-3609.

CATECHISM RESOURCE: LCMS Family Ministry has put together memory cards to help your children learn part of Scripture and the Small Catechism by heart. They are free to download at https://resources.lcms.org/general/catechism-memory-cards/ and can also be found on the Catechesis section of our website.

PERRY LUTHERAN HOMES’ 70TH ANNIVERSARY: Join us for worship and an ice cream social on Sunday, October 18, at 2:00 p.m., with guest preacher Rev. Dr. Jim Lamb and featured speaker Rev. Max Phillips. Established 70 years ago by the LCMS Iowa District West and East, Perry Lutheran Homes continues to grow through the faithful support of congregations like yours. Worship and the ice cream social will take place at Perry Lutheran Homes’ Eden Acres Campus, 1300 28th Street, Perry.

LITURGY WORKSHOP: Iowa District East is hosting a liturgy workshop at Our Redeemer in Cedar Falls titled, Something is Happening Here: The Transcendent Power of the Liturgy. The workshop runs 9am-2pm on November 14th and is free to attend. More information and registration can be found at lcmside.org/liturgy-workshop/.

REVELATION BIBLE STUDY: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever is a daily 15-minute verse-by-verse Bible study produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Will Weedon.  Pastor Weedon will begin a study this week on the Book of Revelation.  You can listen on-demand at thewordendures.org.

October 6th Update: Water services still have not been fully restored. In light of that, there will be no Ladies' Bible Study or Vespers tomorrow because water has not been restored yet. There WILL be Confirmation class and choir at 6:30pm.

Original:
As many of you already know the city of Carlisle has been under a "Do not use water" order for the last few days as the result of a water main break and subsequent problems. At this time, Carlisle is still under a "Do not use water" order. That includes: do not use faucets, do not flush toilets, do not drink the water. Use bottled and jugs of water only. More information and updates are available at City of Carlisle's website.

At Holy Cross, Divine Service will be held, but other activities at church will be limited until further notice. As a result, there will be no fellowship/refreshments, no Sunday School, or Bible Study following Divine Service Sunday, October 4th.
For those attending the Divine Service:

• Restroom facilities are extremely limited. Please plan accordingly. If you plan on using the restroom, please bring a gallon of water to "bucket flush." Hand sanitizer is provided in a couple locations around church.
• No drinking water is available at church. Please make sure to bring your own drinking water with you.

During Sunday;s Bible Study on Act 4, the following resource was highlighted:

• Issues, Etc. interview of Dr. T. C. Schmidt: First Century Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus on Jesus
• "Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ" by Dr T. C. Schmidt. The free PDF may be downloaded here.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: Ceci Johnson & E. Urban

COMING UP:
Today – Special Voter’s Meeting
            - Council meeting
Friday – Card Night
Saturday - Ladies Guild planning meeting & presentation
27th – Semi-Annual voters meeting; Oktoberfest

SPECIAL VOTER’S MEETING: There will be a short voters meeting before Bible study today to approve Pastor’s insurance.

CONTRACT RUMMY ANYONE?  We have Fellowship this coming Friday beginning at 6 p.m.  Enjoy an exciting game of Contract Rummy.  Bring a snack or two to share with the group.

LADIES GUILD: will be hosting Master Gardener Sue Thompson Royce on Saturday, September 19th from 11am to noon.  Sue has been a Master Gardener for over 25 years and has been gardening for over 60 years! She will give a presentation on fall gardening, preserving your garden produce and will finish up with garden tool care. Invite your gardening friends and mark your calendar!  We will have our planning meeting at 10 am that morning.

OKTOBERFEST: Mark your calendars for Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27, following the voters' meeting.  Brats, hot dogs, and beverages will be provided.  There is a signup sheet in the narthex.  See you then!

FALL CLEAN UP: Fall clean up day is scheduled for October 10th, with the 17th as a backup in case of bad weather.

LITURGY WORKSHOP: Iowa District East is hosting a liturgy workshop at Our Redeemer in Cedar Falls titled, Something is Happening Here: The Transcendent Power of the Liturgy. The workshop runs 9am-2pm on November 14th and is free to attend. More information and registration can be found at lcmside.org/liturgy-workshop/.

PASADENA PETAL PUSHERS: Join others from IDW traveling to Pasadena over the new year. Help decorate floats and participate in local mission work. Registration and deposit are due Oct 2. Let Allison, the office secretary, know if you would like the registration form.

YOUR LIFELINE TO THE LUTHERAN WORLDVIEW: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent subjects include: Social Emotional Learning, The False Masculinity of the Tate Brothers, Gloria Steinem’s Legacy, The Gay Rights Movement’s Anthropological Problem and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: A. Friedrichs

COMING UP:
9th – Men’s Bible study resumes
- Confirmation parent meeting; choir season begins
13th – Council meeting
19th – Ladies Guild planning meeting & presentation
27th – Semi-Annual voters meeting; Oktoberfest

THIS WEEK: Men’s Wednesday morning Bible study resumes this week. Confirmation classes will also begin Wednesday, September 9th with Vespers and a parent meeting. The fall choir season begins that evening as well and will follow the confirmation class schedule unless otherwise noted.

LADIES GUILD: will be hosting Master Gardener Sue Thompson Royce on Saturday, September 19th from 11am to noon.  Sue has been a Master Gardener for over 25 years and has been gardening for over 60 years! She will give a presentation on fall gardening, preserving your garden produce and will finish up with garden tool care. Invite your gardening friends and mark your calendar!  We will have our planning meeting at 10 am that morning.

OKTOBERFEST: Mark your calendars for Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 27, in the fellowship hall, following the Voters' Meeting.  Brats, hot dogs, and beverages will be provided.  Plan to bring a dish to share.  See you then.  Guten Tag!

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The Altar Guild would like to put out fresh flower arrangements for special feast days in the church. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online Serve>Give>Vanco>Altar Flowers. The signup sheet is in the narthex.

LITURGY WORKSHOP: Iowa District East is hosting a liturgy workshop at Our Redeemer in Cedar Falls titled, Something is Happening Here: The Transcendent Power of the Liturgy. The workshop runs 9am-2pm on November 14th and is free to attend. More information and registration can be found at lcmside.org/liturgy-workshop/.

PASADENA PETAL PUSHERS: Join others from IDW traveling to Pasadena over the new year. Help decorate floats and participate in local mission work. Registration and deposit are due Oct 2. Let Allison, the office secretary, know if you would like the registration form.

LUTHER HAD WARTBURG, WE HAVE COLLINSVILLE: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent interview topics include: The Honesty Crisis, Luke’s Gospel for the Hungry, Lutheran Schools & the Three Estates, The Story of a 16th-Century German City Embracing Lutheranism and more.  You can listen on demand at issuesetc.org.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: A. Doying

COMING UP:
9th – Men’s Bible study resumes
- Confirmation parent meeting; choir season begins
13th – Council meeting
19th – Ladies Guild planning meeting & presentation
27th – Semi-Annual voters meeting; Oktoberfest

CHURCH COOKOUT: for today has been canceled.

BEGINNING SOON: Men’s Wednesday morning Bible study resumes next week, the 9th. Confirmation classes will also begin Wednesday, September 9th with Vespers and a parent meeting. The fall choir season begins that evening as well and will follow the confirmation class schedule unless otherwise noted.

LADIES GUILD: will be hosting Master Gardener Sue Thompson Royce on Saturday, September 19th from 11am to noon. Sue has been a Master Gardener for over 25 years and has been gardening for over 60 years! She will give a presentation on fall gardening, preserving your garden produce and will finish up with garden tool care. Invite your gardening friends and mark your calendar! We will have our planning meeting at 10 am that morning.

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The Altar Guild would like to put out fresh flower arrangements for special feast days in the church. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online. The signup sheet is in the narthex.

PASADENA PETAL PUSHERS: Join others from IDW traveling to Pasadena over the new year. Help decorate floats and participate in local mission work. Registration and deposit are due Oct 2. Let Allison, the office secretary, know if you would like the registration form.

BOOK OF PROVERBS BIBLE STUDY: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever is a daily 15-minute verse-by-verse Bible study produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Will Weedon. Pastor Weedon recently started a study on the Book of Proverbs 21–31. You can listen at your convenience at thewordendures.org.

During Bible Study, the following resource was highlighted:

• Gottesdienst: Lutherans as Evangelical Catholics

After spending 8 years in Botswana, the Grulke family moved back to the United States in June 2026 and are living nearby in Urbandale, IA! Thanks to technology, they are still able to be part of LBT and Bible translation in Botswana, as well as regional work in southern Africa and Ethiopia. Read the full update in their newsletter here.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: I. Allen & R. Stofer
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Today - Special voters’ meeting
Next Sunday – Potluck following Bible study
August 30 – Cookout at shelter house

SPECIAL VOTERS’ MEETING: A brief voters meeting will be held today before Bible class to direct the usage of current money in the Benevolence Fund.

PARKING LOT: Please, no cars in the parking lot around 10:00am on Monday. JK will be coming to take photos of the completed project.
 
CONTRACT RUMMY ANYONE? We have Fellowship this coming Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy an exciting game of Contract Rummy. Bring a snack or two to share with the group.

ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY: August 22nd is Pastor Johnson’s ordination anniversary. It is always a good time to remember our called shepherd and to thank him.

GARAGE SALE RECAP: Thank you to all who volunteered to help with the garage sale. All the unsold items have been packed up and the DAV is scheduled to pick them up on Monday, August 24th.  Proceeds from the garage sale are being sent to Pastor Wendorff's family to help reduce costs associated with the mold infestation in their home. Watch the bulletin for our final total next week.
 
POTLUCK: Don’t forget! There is a potluck scheduled for next week after Bible study. Stick around to greet special guest, Lynn Girton.

CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter Sunday, August 30th, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.
 
STARTING SOON: Summer is almost over! Mark your calendars because Confirmation classes will begin Wednesday, September 9th with Vespers and a parent meeting. The fall choir season also begins Sept 9th and will follow the confirmation class schedule.
 
SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

DEFENDING LIFE: is a young adult retreat presented by HT Beyond and YA for Life. It is for those who want to do more than win arguments and those who want to be equipped to have conversations rooted in the God who bled and died for every sinner on every side of the issue. Michelle Bauman, Former Director of YA for Life and YA for Life, will be your speaker, and Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, will be your Chaplain. It will be held Oct 23-25 at CTSFW and is for ages 18-30. The cost is $100-175. Register online.
 
TRUTH, GOODNESS, BEAUTY: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent teachings include: What Is Critical Theory?, The Reliability of the Bible, The Population Bust, The Term “Flesh” in the Bible and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org.

During Bible Study, the following resource was highlighted:

• Issues, Etc. interview of Dr. T.C. Schmidt: First Century Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus on Jesus

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: no one signed up

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Today - Special voters’ meeting
Wednesday – NO Bible studies or Vespers; Pastor is on vacation
August 23 – Potluck following Bible study
August 30 – Cookout at shelter house

TODAY: Voters’ meeting and Bible study will be held in the sanctuary. At the beginning of Bible study, there will be a short voters meeting about potential fellowship hall improvements. An informational sheet on the project is available by the bulletins. Also, please make your way downstairs to browse through the remaining garage sale items. We could also use a couple of people to stick around to help pack up the remaining items.

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.

TRINITY QUILTING CONVOCATION: TLC Quilters invite you to join us August 29th for our Quilting Convocation from 9 am - 3 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa. Join us in fellowship with other Christian quilters, participate in hands-on demonstrations, observe new quilting techniques, and learn more about operating a Christian quilting organization. Register by August 14th. Find out more at www.trinityalgona.org/tlc-quilters.

LUTHERAN MUSIC WORKSHOP: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA is hosting an all-day workshop for Grades 2-12 on Thursday, August 13th. It is a free event, with lunch provided, and a family program in the evening. Please register because space is limited: www.stpaulsmusicconservatory.org. Speak to Aja if you would like to carpool.

CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter Sunday, August 30th, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.

DEFENDING LIFE: is a young adult retreat presented by HT Beyond and YA for Life. It is for those who want to do more than win arguments and those who want to be equipped to have conversations rooted in the God who bled and died for every sinner on every side of the issue. Michelle Bauman, Former Director of YA for Life and YA for Life, will be your speaker, and Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, will be your Chaplain. It will be held Oct 23-25 at CTSFW and is for ages 18-30. The cost is $100-175. Register online.

YOUR LIFELINE TO THE LUTHERAN WORLDVIEW: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent topics include: Breaking Free from the Burden of Shame, Family Discipleship, Understanding Burnout, The Roots of “Spiritual But Not Religious” and more.  You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: no one signed up
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
August 8 – Garage Sale in fellowship hall
August 9 – Special voters’ meeting for fellowship hall improvements
August 23 – Potluck following Bible study
August 30 – Cookout at shelter house

SPECIAL VOTERS MEETING: Next Sunday, at the beginning of Bible study, there will be a short voters meeting about potential fellowship hall improvements. An informational sheet on the project is available by the bulletins; please be sure to grab one.
 
TODAY: At 3:00pm at St. Paul, Ankeny you are invited to attend a service celebrating Rev. Kottlowski’s 30th Ordination Anniversary.

PARKING LOT: Work on the parking lot has been finished and it is fully ready to drive on. We are still working on landscaping, however, so stay tuned for how you can help!
 
HELP YOURSELF: The elderberries are ready to harvest at church! They are located in the shrub line by the car wash. Harvest as many as you would like.

SCRIP: Scrip cards for Fareway, Caseys, Jimmy Johns, and Kwik Star are available. See Kathryn to purchase one. Proceeds go toward the parking lot project.
 
TRINITY QUILTING CONVOCATION: TLC Quilters invite you to join us August 29th for our Quilting Convocation from 9 am - 3 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa. Join us in fellowship with other Christian quilters, participate in hands-on demonstrations, observe new quilting techniques, and learn more about operating a Christian quilting organization. Register by August 14th. Find out more at www.trinityalgona.org/tlc-quilters.
 
LUTHERAN MUSIC WORKSHOP: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA is hosting an all-day workshop for Grades 2-12 on Thursday, August 13th. It is a free event, with lunch provided, and a family program in the evening. Please register because space is limited: www.stpaulsmusicconservatory.org.

DEFENDING LIFE: is a young adult retreat presented by HT Beyond and YA for Life. It is for those who want to do more than win arguments and those who want to be equipped to have conversations rooted in the God who bled and died for every sinner on every side of the issue. Michelle Bauman, Former Director of YA for Life and YA for Life, will be your speaker, and Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, will be your Chaplain. It will be held Oct 23-25 at CTSFW and is for ages 18-30. The cost is $100-175. Register online.
 
ESSENTIAL EXERCISE FOR THE CHRISTIAN MIND: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent show subjects include: Karl Marx’s Fascination with the Devil, The Fall of the Great Republics, Reducing Theology to Pithy Slogans, First-Century Jewish Historian Josephus on Jesus and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

Last month, the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod was held in Pheonix, AZ. This convention may be remembered as a pivotal moment in our synod.     To begin, a slate of excellent men were elected to positions as vice-presidents and regional vice presidents. More than ever, the men now leading our synod are united in their understanding of God’s Word and committed to the teachings of the Book of Concord.     Additionally, overtures to reestablish the Commission on Worship, promote the Biblical responsibility of pastors to publicly read the Scriptures and an admonishment for congregations to retain or recover the practice of closed Communion all were adopted. Perhaps the most significant resolution passed will address the mishandling of the Specific Ministry Pastor Program by focusing on pastoral formation at one of our two seminaries.          While many fear the reality of declining numbers of church goers and the need for more pastors, the convention refused to pass overtures that would compromise God’s Word or our teaching. While this is very encouraging, the real comfort is knowing that the Word of the Lord which proclaims the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus will endure forever with or without the convention.

    Therefore, while our synod is standing firm in many ways, we will still face the challenges and assaults of the devil from within and without as the message of Christ and Him crucified continues to be taught among us. Thankfully, it is still the preaching of the Gospel that unites us, bringing faith and forgiveness to those whom God loves and chooses to save. By the grace of God, this past convention has shown that our synod remains committed to the Gospel being taught in all of its purity and that the Sacraments are rightly administered among us as God's Word is correctly taught according to the Lutheran Confession in our churches. We thank the Lord for all His goodness in ensuring this.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: G. Siegel

COOKOUT CANCELED: Today’s cookout has been canceled due to the heat. Next month’s cookout will be Aug 23rd (backup date: Aug 30) and will be hosted by the Caro family. Watch for more info.

HELP YOURSELF: The elderberries are ready to harvest at church! They are located in the shrub line by the car wash. Harvest as many as you would like.

LUTHERAN MUSIC WORKSHOP: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA is hosting an all-day workshop for Grades 2-12 on Thursday, August 13th. It is a free event, with lunch provided, and a family program in the evening. Please register because space is limited: www.stpaulsmusicconservatory.org.

YOU ARE INVITED: to join the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The celebration will begin with worship at 9:30 AM, followed by our 30th Anniversary Grand Ole Potluck at approximately 10:45 AM. We would be honored to have you celebrate with us as we give thanks to God for His faithfulness and blessings over the past 30 years.

URGENT NEED: Rev. Aaron Wendorff (of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola and Our Savior’s in Leon) and his family are in search of temporary housing while their parsonage home undergoes major mold remediation. They are open to anything within an hour of Osceola, could move anytime, and would need housing for up to six months. If you are aware of any affordable options, please contact Rev. Wendorff at pr.awendorff@gmail.com or 507-766-2165. To fully remediate and rebuild the affected areas—including walls, ceilings, and floors—the estimated cost is approximately $150,000. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this congregation and family in their time of need? A GoFundMe has been set up for online donations, or you may send a check to Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the bulletin board for more information.

ALTAR FLOWERS: The Altar Guild would like to put out fresh flower arrangements for special feast days in the church. Mark "Altar Flowers" in the memo line of your check or donate online Serve>Give>Vanco>Altar Flowers. The signup sheet is in the narthex.

EDUCATING A NEW GENERATION OF LUTHERANS: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent show topics include: Pope Leo’s Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, The Lord’s Prayer in Lutheran Worship, A Lutheran View of the Scholastics, The Population Bust and more.  You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

SERVING FELLOWSHIP NEXT WEEK: C. Dee & R. Brantner

CALENDAR UPDATE: Matins and Confessions study will be next week, July 30th.
 
APOLOGETICS STUDY: Friday, July 24th at 4:30pm is the last study on Fisk’s book, Without Flesh. The target age for this group is upper confirmation/ high school, but all are welcome to attend. Please come prepared to discuss chapters 8, 9, and the appendices.
 
CHURCH COOKOUT: Please join us for a church cookout at the shelter next Sunday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your own meat for grilling and a dish or two to share.
 
SYNODICAL CONVENTION: The 69th Regular Convention of the LCMS takes place July 18–23 at the Phoenix Convention Center under theme “Christ Is Risen Indeed.” Everyone can stay involved at home and keep up on convention updates:
Watch the livestream: www.LCMS.org/Convention/Livestream
Read live news updates: https://Reporter.LCMS.org
Listen to interviews: www.KFUO.org
Stay tuned on social media: www.Facebook.com/TheLCMS
 
PARKING LOT: We are now able to drive personal vehicles on the parking lot! But no garbage trucks or heavy equipment should access the parking lot for the remainder of the month.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: New seed laid down after the construction needs to be watered. More mowing volunteers would be helpful as well. Let properties board know if you can help.
 
URGENT NEED: Rev. Aaron Wendorff (of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola and Our Savior’s in Leon) and his family are in search of temporary housing while their parsonage home undergoes major mold remediation. They are open to anything within an hour of Osceola, could move anytime, and would need housing for up to six months. If you are aware of any affordable options, please contact Rev. Wendorff at pr.awendorff@gmail.com. To fully remediate and rebuild the affected areas—including walls, ceilings, and floors—the estimated cost is approximately $150,000. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this congregation and family in their time of need? A GoFundMe has been set up for online donations, or you may send a check to Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the bulletin board for more information.

MORE TOPICS, MORE GUESTS, MORE JESUS: Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent topics include: The Movie “The Odyssey;” Prosecuting Pornography; The Hymn “Entrust Your Days and Burdens;” Lutheranism in Canada and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.